A devoted couple celebrating 60 years of wedded bliss were enjoying a lavish family party today.

Cecil and Betty Dixon, aged 81 and 82, have hired a gazebo for the garden of their Rudyard Avenue home in Roseworth.

The couple, who received a telegram from the Queen, met in 1944 in a Naval, Army and Air Forces Institute in Instow, Devon, while Cecil was in the Army and Betty was working. They married in Dipton, near Newcastle

They say the secret of their happy marriage is down to their similarities.

Cecil said: "She was the same as me when we got to know each other.

"We created this great bond and because of that our marriage has gone so well, we have patience, tolerance and love. It's been like that all the way."

The couple have six children, 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.